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Bella Rosa Ristorante and Galleria
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“The atmosphere was inviting, the service was gracious and the food was excellent (trip #2) Marathon weekend:The meal was the highlight of Sunday and helped many get over the marathon itsself.”
“went for a networking reception and was totally impressed with friendly welcome, great food and spotless interior.”
“The dinner menu is a simple, one page authentic Italian - exactly what you'd expect to see.”
“It is very romantic with soft popular songs from the past and the staff was great.”
Great Italian in the heart of The Loop. After being snubbed by Andy's Jazz Club and angered over their crummy service, my wife and I were lured into Bella Rosa by a chalk board sidewalk sign reading "$7.00 Martinis!" For a later dinner on a Saturday night, I was surprised that there was no wait at all. We sat at the bar and ordered our drinks. The staff is friendly and attentive; the hosts, hostesses, waitstaff, and bussers each said "Welcome to Bella Rosa" as they passed by. What a great way to make you feel welcome! The dinner menu is a simple, one page authentic Italian - exactly what you'd expect to see. We ordered a margherita pizza and a few more libations before leaving a few hours later.…
Best fried rav's & calamari!. I went for a networking reception and was totally impressed with friendly welcome, great food and spotless interior. It is very romantic with soft popular songs from the past and the staff was great. I went back the next week and the total package was still in effect (Their sauces tasted fresh from the garden and the taramisu was light and delicious, the best I have had) and I will continue to stuff myself there at least once a week. I want everyone there to know my name!…
My trip to Chicago is not complete without a visit to Bella Rosa. I come to Chicago a few times per year and my trip is not complete without a visit to Bella Rosa. (trip #1)I had the pleasure of discovering this gem when searching for a place to host a party after the marathon. The atmosphere was inviting, the service was gracious and the food was excellent (trip #2) Marathon weekend:The meal was the highlight of Sunday and helped many get over the marathon itsself. (trip #3) Returned with a party of nine (my boss among them) with the same result: greeted as friends and fed like family. For me they are 3 for 3 and I will be back for #4…
Contemporary River North restaurant and gallery serves Italian eats in an intimate, low-lit storefront..
The Scene
Colorful, surrealist artwork-courtesy of the owner-adorns the brick walls of this narrow, quiet trattoria. To the left, a vintage Art Deco bar gently illuminates sports-tuned
flat-screens. A handful of candlelit tables to the right may or may not fill with diners; regardless, Rat Pack tunes keep the spirit light. Service, although well intentioned, could be more knowledgeable and attentive.
The Food
Italian classics--some with interesting takes--populate the large menu. A mound of puffy, fried gnocchi arrive with warm parsley and garlic-zapped olive oil for dipping. A mixed green salad sports sprightly balsamic vinaigrette, yet super-garlicky margherita pizza and prosciutto-wrapped filet with grape-brandy sauce lack oomph. Crisp-skinned, pepper and tomato-draped chicken Bella Rosa is a standout, gushing with wilted spinach and artichokes when cut. Creamy farfalle studded with sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts and portobellos is as richly caloric as the weightless, cocoa-dusted tiramisu.
Hits
The art on the walls is for sale. Alongside each piece is a card that explains the artist's intention.
Misses
Not everything arrives as described. Pasta was missing its Gorgonzola cheese, and a cocktail lacked its sparkling wine.
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